Forward 44: U.S. 50 Interchange Improvements Project

Enhancing Safety 

Between 2019 and 2023, 149 crashes occurred at the I-44/U.S. 50 interchange, with 8 resulting in serious injuries and 1 resulting in a fatality. 

Horizontal curves, where the road bends or changes direction, can potentially reduce visibility and affect driver behavior. 

Steep slopes can impact driver behavior and reactions, as well as increase congestion.  

Upgrading Pavement Conditions 

• Aging pavement along I-44 at the U.S. 50 interchange requires ongoing repairs to maintain drivable conditions, especially under heavy traffic. 

•  Potholes and debris can result in uneven road conditions for drivers. 

• MoDOT plans to spend more than $1 million in 2026 to maintain pavement along I-44. 

• Long-term improvements may be needed to address underlying structural issues in the interchange pavement. 

Increasing Capacity and Reliability 

• Having only two lanes in each direction will likely not meet the expected demand, which can affect the reliability of travel along I-44 near the U.S. 50 interchange. 

• Crashes may lead to major shutdowns, which can average 3.5 hours each time. 

• Lack of suitable detours creates significant challenges for all traffic, including emergency response and freight vehicles. 

• Adding a third lane would, in most cases, allow more traffic to stay on I-44 during incidents. 

Decreasing Congestion  

• I-44 serves as a critical transportation route for local and regional travel. 

• Heavy daily traffic volumes through the I-44/U.S. 50 interchange contribute to wear and tear on the roadway. 

• Freight is essential to Missouri’s economy, with tractor-trailers making up 30% of all vehicles traveling through the interchange. 

• Freight traffic contributes to congestion due to the larger size of trucks and their frequent speed fluctuations. 

Modernizing Roadway Design 

• The I-44/U.S. 50 interchange was designed and built long before current design standards. 

• The eastbound I-44 lanes at the interchange feature consecutive and closely spaced on-and-off ramps. 

• Vehicles merging quickly due to the roadway design can contribute to congestion. 

Improving Infrastructure Resiliency 

• Flooding on Route O and Route AT disrupts traffic flow and connectivity. 

• Flooding interruptions can lead to detours and increased travel times. 

Why is MoDOT looking at potential improvements to the I-44/U.S. 50 interchange? 

The I-44/U.S. 50 interchange was designed and built long before current design standards. Safety is a fundamental goal of all transportation projects in Missouri. Every project is designed to enhance safety for all system users. 

What is the timeline for these potential improvements? 

A public survey was conducted from June 26 to July 10, 2025, to confirm existing needs and identify additional concerns and priorities for the interchange. The feedback submitted guided the development of the project’s goals.

The next steps include: 

- Public meeting for project goals: November 2025 

- Design-build procurement and proposal development: Spring/Summer 2026 

- Project award and public meeting to share design and construction schedule: Fall/Winter 2026 

- Construction completion: Fall 2029 

Who will benefit from these potential improvements? 

These potential improvements will enhance safety, reduce congestion, improve pavement conditions and increase reliability for the traveling public, freight carriers, MoDOT maintenance crews, emergency responders, and roadside assistance vehicles. 

Will my property or ROW be affected? 

It is too early in the process to make any determination; however, if it is determined that some properties may be affected, MoDOT will be in contact with those property owners regarding the potential improvements.  

How will my input help shape the I-44/U.S. 50 Interchange challenges? 

Your input helped guide the development of goals and priorities that reflect the needs and experiences of your community and everyone who travels through the I-44/U.S. 50 interchange each day.